ABOUT ME
Whitney Shaw-Dale, MA, BSc (Hons)
UKCP-Registered Psychotherapist & EMDR Therapist
I'm Whitney, a UKCP-registered psychotherapist and EMDR therapist with over 15 years of experience in mental health, including more than a decade in clinical practice.
I've always been interested in people — what shapes us, how our experiences influence the way we see ourselves, and what becomes possible when we begin to understand those experiences differently.
My work has taken me across specialist trauma services, emergency services, charities and private practice, supporting people through some of life's most difficult experiences.
I bring warmth, honesty and genuine curiosity to therapy. I believe in creating a relationship where you can feel comfortable being yourself, explore what matters to you and begin to see new possibilities.
WHAT IT'S LIKE TO WORK WITH ME
Thoughtful, collaborative and human
"I won't sit silently for 50 minutes and leave you wondering what I'm thinking. I'm an engaged therapist."
I'll listen carefully, ask questions, notice patterns and sometimes gently challenge you when I think something important might be getting overlooked. But I don't see myself as the expert on your life. We'll explore things together.
There's room for difficult conversations, uncertainty, humour and moments of discovery. You can disagree with me, ask questions or tell me when something doesn't feel right.
For me, good therapy isn't about having all the answers. It's about creating a space where we can be honest, curious and work towards meaningful change.
ABOUT ME
Experience
& Qualifications
My professional background spans specialist trauma services, emergency services, charities and private practice.
I've worked with organisations including the London Fire Brigade, SurvivorsUK, Mind and Hestia, supporting people navigating trauma, sexual violence, anxiety, depression and complex emotional difficulties.
I've also facilitated therapeutic groups, working with people from a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences. This breadth of experience informs the thoughtful, compassionate and clinically grounded approach I bring to my work.
Professional Registration
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UKCP Registered Psychotherapist - 2011166425
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EMDR Therapist
Academic Qualifications
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MA Psychotherapy
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BSc (Hons) Psychology
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Psychotherapy Practitioner Diploma
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Postgraduate Certificate in Gestalt Therapy
Featured publication
Published in: New Psychotherapist (Autumn 2025).
This featured article explores how AI can be used as a reflective partner to deepen self-awareness and support personal and professional growth.
Specialist Training & Professional Development
I'm committed to continually developing my knowledge and clinical practice through specialist training and ongoing professional development.
My additional training includes trauma-focused CBT, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and approaches to working with complex trauma and grief, among others.
Ready for something to change?
You don't need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. Whether you're ready to begin or simply want to explore working together, you're welcome to take the next step.